Conjoint Associate Professor Allan Chawner

Career Summary

Biography

In 1978 I began teaching Photography in the Newcastle College of Advanced Education on a part time basis. I also began teaching at TAFE and in secondary schools in the area. I continued my business of commercial photography, specialising in architectural, portrait and artists portfolios. I was able to bring to my teaching and course development the skills I attained while concurrently practicing photography. I continued my art practice and produced many exhibitions of photography. I continued to study and research my field, which also enriched my teaching practice. I was one of the earliest to completions in the new Masters of Fine Art Photography at Sydney University. I collaborated with composers, writers, video and theatre productions to broaden my experience of art and culture. I collaborated with Brian Suters (architect). We made numerous projects such as the Menkins Exhibition, Hunter Valley People that toured internationally. This connected me with international art and cultural exchange. Other later exhibitions toured China, England, Japan and France. Illumination Newcastle was a significant advance in my artwork and collaborative work. In 1995 I began to work with Peter Dormand (AMIEF) on a project we designed to illuminate Newcastle using green or renewable energy. This project became the benchmark concept for the programs of energy conservation for Newcastle City Council and the many training programs offered by AMIEF today. I completed my PhD Fine Art and have published several books. I am a member of the International Association of Panoramic Photographers and publish articles in the journal of Panoramic Photographers, an international journal. I continue to support emerging artists, attending openings, giving guest lectures and being part of a community of artists committed to the development of art in the region. I continue to push the boundaries of new technology within Fine Art and am committed to international cultural exchange. Exhibitions in La Rochelle, France, Halifax, Canada and Mexico City are the latest in my connections with institutions and communities in a world context. World-Towns was a successful exhibition that enabled me to continue this strategy of global community cultural vision, bringing identity to the fore as a significant focus for cultural exchange.

Research ExpertiseMy research consists of performances that reflect on the translation of time as experienced in music. I apply Photomedia to map location and community and investigate the connection between temporal notions of spatial experience. My research presently ranges across music performance in major venues, art exhibitions in public galleries, environmental, historical and heritage representation and reflection on the architectural and social landscape. I publish, perform and exhibit my work to a wide audience and in turn have met with wide acclaim.

Teaching ExpertiseI have been a teacher since 1978 and have a Diploma of Education, secondary. I assisted in the development of programs such as the Bachelor of Art (Visual Art) and the Bachelor of Art currently being delivered. I have been part of the development team for the Graduate Diploma, which became the Bachelor of Art (Honours) now in use. I was also involved in the development of the Master of Fine Art (now the Master of Philosophy) I have been co-ordinator of Photomedia for some years (1997-2003) and was responsible for the writing of and delivery of Photomedia courses and participated in three reviews of the Bachelor of Fine Art program. I was the Bachelor of Fine Art convener for three years from 2007-2009 and the Bachelor of Fine Art Honours convener for two years from 2007-2008. I teach Fine Art. Photomedia is the name of the medium used in this discipline area. Fine Art crosses many creative boundaries and I try to emphasis the fluidity of art practice, and media choices are expedient to achieve the desired outcome. I believe that students need access to introductory courses in a variety of media in order to make successful choices about their work. Theoretical knowledge is the core component to allow understanding of art practice. The desire, medium and theory are the driving forces in art, to produce strong conceptual understanding and intellectual depth. I teach by example and endeavour to create a critical and interactive forum where all aspects of art practice may be discussed.

Administrative ExpertiseI had been co-ordinator of Photomedia for some years (1997-2003) In 2002 I was appointed to the position of Assistant Dean IT, Education and Arts. In 2004 I was appointed to the position of Deputy Head, School of Fine Art and in 2005 Head, School of Fine Art. I have represented the School and University at conferences and meeting regarding cultural development. I was appointed to Assistant Dean, Community & Corporate Development in 2008 for a two-year term.

Qualifications

PhD, University of Newcastle

Diploma of Art, Newcastle College of Advanced Education

Diploma in Education, Newcastle College of Advanced Education

Graduate Diploma, Newcastle College of Advanced Education

Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts), Newcastle College of Advanced Education

Research Supervision

Current Supervision

Theorising the Urban Landscape for the Occupation of Vague StreetspaceArchitecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built EnvironmentCo-Supervisor

2011

Riparian Life: A Visual Navigation of the Hunter River EstuaryFine Arts, Faculty of Education and ArtsCo-Supervisor

2007

Photography and LayersFine Arts, University of NewcastleCo-Supervisor

2005

."..upon a painted ocean": an exploration of coastal landscape painting in Australia, with particular emphasis on Newcastle, New South Wales - then and now.Fine Arts, University of NewcastlePrincipal Supervisor